U.S. Chamber Applauds Reintroduction of Travel Promotion Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today hailed the reintroduction of the Travel Promotion Act, which would establish a public-private entity to promote the United States abroad as an attractive vacation destination, and which communicates U.S. security entry requirements abroad.

"The international traveler provides an important boost to businesses and state and local governments nationwide, spending on average some $4,500 per person, each time they enter the U.S.," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Taking steps to attract the international traveler will act as an important short- and long-term stimulus for our economy."

Since September 11, 2001 the U.S. travel and tourism industry has struggled to recover from the decreased numbers of visitors coming into the U.S. Some of that decline can be linked to new and intrusive security requirements that create the perception that foreign visitors are not welcome. The U.S. does not have an effective system to educate the international community on these new regulations; therefore, it is at the mercy of the foreign media to interpret for potential travelers.

The global recession has also had a dramatic impact on the industry since its start last year. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 3.1 million international visitors traveled to the United States in January 2009, a decrease of nine percent from January 2008. International visitors spent $10.5 billion for the month, down eight percent from 2008.

"The United States has some of the greatest vacation destinations in the world," Donohue continued. "This bill will help attract new international visitors annually, create jobs, strengthen our economy, spur economic investment and provide an important diplomatic benefit for our country".

The Chamber thanked Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and John Ensign (R-NV) for reintroducing the bill and called on the U.S. House of Representatives, where similar legislation passed last year with bipartisan support, to follow suit.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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